Spaces Still Available for August Bed Bug Bootcamp

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. - BedBug Central is confident that there is no faster way to effectively learn its "no-prep" protocol than by attending one of its BedBug University courses: Boot Camp or On-The-Job Observation. Most companies see rigorous preparation as vital to the success of their bed bug elimination programs, and might not expect that eliminating prep work can make a service even more successful. However, by attending one of BedBug Central’s educational offerings, you’ll see firsthand how to eliminate prep and avoid frustration for your clients.

What:

Bed Bug Boot Camp – an intensive four-day course designed to shorter the learning curve for pest management companies that want to boost their bed bug revenues and enhance their bed bug business model. Boot Camp also caters to members of the affected industries whom will benefit greatly from the first two days of Boot Camp. More information & course agenda: Boot Camp

On-The-Job Observation (OJO) – Recently reintroduced to provide a valuable educational experience that minimizes the time you spend away from your business for PMP’s and affected industries. Participants of this one day course will accompany the BedBug Central Technical Team into the field for a firsthand observation experience. More information: On-The-Job Observation

Man Sets Fire to House in Home-Cooked Heat Treatment Attempt

WOODBURY, N.J. - There's a reason heat treatments ought to be performed by professionals: a New Jersey man set his home on fire while trying to kill bed bugs with a space heater, hair dryer and a heat gun, NBC Philadelphia reports.

The homeowner, unidentified by authorities, and four firefighters suffered minor injuries in the fire. Indeed, the New Jersey Health Department recommends hiring a well-trained and licensed PMP.

Bird-B-Gone Releases Installation Videos

MISSION VIEJO, Calif. - Bird-B-Gone has released several new installation videos, now available on birdbgone.com and YouTube. The installation videos cover Bird Wire, Bird Spike, Bird Slope and Bird Jolt Flat Track.

Each video provides an informative overview of how to install these bird control products, Bird-B-Gone said. “This is perfect for new installers who have the capability but need a little training before taking on a job,” says Ian Rowsby, Director of Sales at Bird-B-Gone. Now in addition to attending Bird-B-Gone University or having a member of the sales team come on-site for training, installers can watch the videos and learn how to install Bird-B-Gone products.

The videos not only show how to install the products, they help installers learn how to determine what situation and for what type of bird the product is best suited. “You get a lot of useful information in a short period of time by watching the installation videos,” says Rowsby. “And if you need additional help or information, we’re always available to help.”

Podcast: John Wilson on 'Undercover Boss'

PCT chats with John Wilson, president and COO, Orkin, about his recent experience on the popular CBS show.

John Wilson, before and after his “undercover” transformation. Photos: CBS / Orkin.

ATLANTA - As PCT reported in the June issue, Orkin President and COO John Wilson recently appeared on the popular CBS television show "Undercover Boss."

“I have a great admiration and appreciation for our people and how hard they work,” Wilson said of the experience. “But what was great was getting out with our employees and giving them an opportunity to tell their story and tell what great things they do for their customers."

We recently caught up with Wilson to chat about the experience. Listen to the podcast here.

Insects as Food for a Growing Population?

WASHINGTON - As the world's population continues to grow, the issue of how to feed so many people will continue to loom ever larger. McClatchy reports that at a recent panel discussion hosted by the Royal Netherlands Embassy, experts floated a potential new food source for a ballooning world population.

The source, of course, is bugs.

From McClatchy:

"Currently, 70 percent of agriculture land is being used for livestock, [Wageningen University Laboratory and Entomology Head Marcel] Dicke said. But eventually, the demand for livestock will be too great for the land available. When that time comes, Dicke said people will have to turn to other, more sustainable sources of food – however icky they may be.

Insects from more than 1,900 species form parts of the diets of roughly 2 billion people worldwide, according to a study by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The crunchy critters are a good source of protein, iron and calcium."